Wild Raspberry Rubus Rosifolius aka

This "weed" grows profusely on our land and we have heard tales of it "taking over" underutilised pasture very rapidly. The plant is listed by PIER (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk) as a plant species which is “threatening Pacific island ecosystems”.

However our experience is that after about 5 years in an area the plants seem to have accomplished what they came to do and they become sparse and weak, making way for other species to flourish.

We enjoy early mornings gathering their wild fruit for breakfast. What a delight to enjoy these natural abundant nutritional gifts from Nature.

Wild Raspberry, Mauritius raspberry, or thimbleberry at Middle Path

A great help with childbirth

A friend came to our place 2 days before her baby was due and we made her up 2 large bottles of tea made from the leaves and she drank the tea often before and during her labour. With her first child she had a 16 hour labour and lots of pain during the delivery, with this one she had an hour and a half labour and experienced a drug-free labour and relatively pain-free delivery.

Red Raspberry is well known for making birthing easier and safer. It strengthens the uterus and entire reproductive system therefore it is great to take throughout the entire pregnancy.and with cancer too!

The University of the West Indies Department of Chemistry in Jamaica carried out research [1] confirming that the Ursolic Acid in the fruit of the Red Raspberry (Rubus rosifolius) displayed inhibition of cancer cells in breast, lung and colon tumours and was also tested for anti-inflamatory activity.

Red Raspberry fruit is the very best source of ellagic acid [2] a phenolic compound known for its very potent anticarcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties tested on cervical cancer, skin cancer, liver, lung and esophygus cancer with great results.

Wild Raspberry - a great help with childbirth
and now found to be excellent for cancers

The red raspberry leaf also contains many essential minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and an easily assimilated form of calcium. An increased availability of calcium is necessary in controlling nerve response to pain during childbirth and in aiding bone development in the fetus. It also contains fragrine, an alkaloid which helps tone the muscles of the pelvic region including the uterus.

A study [3] at Clemson University (CU) in South Carolina found that raspberries are a powerful weapon against cancer. Researchers said in tests, raspberry extracts successfully destroyed about 90 percent of stomach, colon, and breast cancer cells.

Raspberries are rich in powerful antioxidants, which are known to be powerful cancer fighters. But the research team from the CU Department of Nursing believe that some other substance in raspberries is also responsible for their anti-cancer effect.

In their study [3] they found the extract of Red Raspberries to be 8 times more effective than Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) solution with more antioxidants, clearly indicating that some other substance is responsible for the destruction of cancer cells. Looks like the Ellagic acid and Ursolic acid may be the contributors.

Ursolic Acid in the fruit of the Red Raspberry (Rubus rosifolius) displayed inhibition of cancer cells in breast, lung and colon tumours

Wild Raspberry is well known to be useful for

Easing Childbirth

Painful Menstruation

Diarrhea

Flu

Morning Sickness

As an anti-inflamatory

Taken as a tea dried or fresh. The fruit is a rich source of Vitamin C.

Other names for Wild Raspberry Rubus Rosifolius

Mauritius raspberry

Roseleaf raspberry

Thimbleberry

Roseleaf Bramble

West Indian raspberry

Wild Raspberries

Our Wild Raspberry is clearly related to the better-known and sweeter raspberry (Rubus idaeus) which can be found in season in fruiterers.

from the Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism:

Rubus idaeus L ROSACEA
Raspberry

Like so many wild fruits the Raspberry has been known and used since pre-history in Europe, fragments of the berry being found in archaeological excavations of Swiss villages. Cultivation began in the Middle Ages, and the many European raspberry cultivars are all developed from this wild species. Prior to 1866 (at which time over 4I varieties were known in the United States of America) all American types were also from R. idaeus. They are now also developed from R. ulmifolius Schott, R. ursinus Cham and Schlechtend, R, occidentalis L. Rubus is from the Latin for red, and idaeus means 'of Mount lea', after its abundance on Mount lda.

Uses (fresh or dried leaves, fruit) Astringent; oxytocie; nutritive; laxative. The leaf is of proven value during confinement, if taken regularly and in small doses as an infusion - it eases and speeds parturition. In larger doses the leaf is of benefit in painful menstruation and also in diarrhoea. In large amounts the fruit is mildly laxative. The fruit was formerly employed in a variety of pharmaceutical and herbal products as a flavouring and colouring. Edible fruit is of economic importance.

Used in wines, liqueurs, vinegars, syrups, and for other confectionery, culinary and some cosmetic purposes.

Rubus rosifolius is a prickly shrub that produces edible red berries. It is valued for a number of culinary and medicinal purposes. This species has become invasive in Hawai‘i and French Polynesia, where it is capable of intruding into the understory of rainforests. Prickly stems and an ability to form dense thickets make R. rosifolius undesirable in many areas.

There are two varieties of R. rosifolius that differ only in the number of petals. Rubus rosifolius var. commersonii has 9-13 petals, while Rubus rosifolius var. rosifolius has five (Bean, 2001).

Occurs in:natural forests, ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands

Habitat descriptionOccurs naturally in forest margins, clearings and gullies. Invades understory of moist forests. Grows to over 2000m elevation in Tahiti, and to 1730m in Hawai'i (PIER, 2002). Prefers light soil that is moist and nutrient-rich. In Australia where it is native it is found in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest from Tasmania to Qld

General impactsThreatens many native plants on the Hawai‘ian Islands through overcrowding and competition (US EPA, 2002). Is able to form dense thickets when adequate sunlight is available. Can climb using hooks on the stems and prickles on the leaves (BRAIN, 2002).

UsesFruit is edible and sweet-tasting. Can be made into jams, pies and preserves. Leaves can be made into tea, which can be helpful for painful menstruation, childbirth, flu, and morning sickness. Aboriginal people in Australia used a decoction of the leaves as a traditional treatment for diarrhea (Notman, 2000). The fruit is a mild laxative if eaten in large quantities.
Can be used for regeneration of disturbed sites within its native range in Australia (Greening Australia NSW, 2003). Seen as a good native species to use for the replacement of invasive blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) in Australia.
Used as an ornamental plant (NCCPG, 2001).

NotesRubus rosifolius is susceptible to strawberry mild yellow edge-associated potexvirus it is transmitted by a vector; an insect; Chaetosiphon fragaraefolii belonging to family Aphididae. It is transmitted in a non-persistent manner. The virus possibly requires, for vector transmission, a helper virus (strawberry mild yellow edge luteovirus); transmitted by mechanical inoculation and by grafting (Brunt et al., 1996).

Introduction pathways to new locationsFor ornamental purposes: In some countries it is grown for its flowers (NCCPG, 2001).

Local dispersal methodsConsumption/excretion: Seeds are dispersed by birds and rodents that eat the fruit (PIER, 2002).
For ornamental purposes (local): In some countries it is grown for its flowers (NCCPG, 2001).

Management informationThere is no specific management information for Rubus rosifolius, but techniques used for the control of blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg which is a related species, may be applicable. These are outlined below.

Chemical: there are a range of herbicides that can be used for the control of blackberry, including those that are glyphosate-based, such as Roundup®. These are usually applied by spraying, using a knapsack or mistblower for smaller infestations, or handgun and hose for larger ones (EBOP, 2002).

Biological: Goats (Capra hircus) are able to control infestations through grazing. Care must be taken with this approach however, as goats are a known invasive species as well.

ReproductionSeeds spread by birds and rodents that have ingested fruit (PIER, 2002). Can also spread via suckers that develop from arching canes (MPAS, 2002).

Compiled by: IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group
Updates with support from the Overseas Territories Environmental Programme (OTEP) project XOT603, a joint project with the Cayman Islands Government - Department of Environment

There is no specific management information for Rubus rosifolius, but techniques used for the control of blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg which is a related species, may be applicable. These are outlined below.

Chemical: there are a range of herbicides that can be used for the control of blackberry, including those that are glyphosate-based, such as Roundup®. These are usually applied by spraying, using a knapsack or mistblower for smaller infestations, or handgun and hose for larger ones (EBOP, 2002).

Biological: Goats (Capra hircus) are able to control infestations through grazing. Care must be taken with this approach however, as goats are a known invasive species as well.

Location Specific Management Information

French Polynesia (Polynésie Française)Decree No. 65 CM of January 23, 2006 presents a list of 35 invasive plants declared to be "Species that threaten biodiversity", one of which is Rubus rosifolius. These plants are subject to a ban on new imports, propagation and planting, and prohibition of transfer from one island to another of any whole plant, fragment of plant, cutting, fruit or seed. Their destruction is permitted.

Management Resources/Links

1. Environment (B.O.P) Bay of Plenty.

Summary: An excellent source of information on the control of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.). Methods outlined may be applicable for control of invasive populations of Rubus rosifolius. Outlines methods and equipment for mechanical control, pasture & stock management, and herbicide use.
Found at: http://www.envbop.govt.nz/weeds/weed26.asp [Accessed 02 December 2002].

2. IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)., 2010. A Compilation of Information Sources for Conservation Managers.

Summary: This compilation of information sources can be sorted on keywords for example: Baits & Lures, Non Target Species, Eradication, Monitoring, Risk Assessment, Weeds, Herbicides etc. This compilation is at present in Excel format, this will be web-enabled as a searchable database shortly. This version of the database has been developed by the IUCN SSC ISSG as part of an Overseas Territories Environmental Programme funded project XOT603 in partnership with the Cayman Islands Government - Department of Environment. The compilation is a work under progress, the ISSG will manage, maintain and enhance the database with current and newly published information, reports, journal articles etc.

3. PIER (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk) 2005. Rubus rosifolius

Summary: Ecology, synonyms, common names, distributions (Pacific as well as global), management and impact information. Available from: http://www.hear.org/pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm [Accessed 9 November 2005]

4. PIER (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk), 2003. Rubus rosifolius

Summary: Ecology, synonyms, common names, distributions (Pacific as well as global), management and impact information.
Available from: http://www.hear.org/pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm [Accessed 3 June 2003]

Summary: An excellent source of information on the control of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.). Methods outlined may be applicable for control of invasive populations of Rubus rosifolius. Outlines methods and equipment for mechanical control, pasture & stock management, and herbicide use.
Found at: http://www.envbop.govt.nz/weeds/weed26.asp [Accessed 02 December 2002].

2. IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)., 2010. A Compilation of Information Sources for Conservation Managers.

Summary: This compilation of information sources can be sorted on keywords for example: Baits & Lures, Non Target Species, Eradication, Monitoring, Risk Assessment, Weeds, Herbicides etc. This compilation is at present in Excel format, this will be web-enabled as a searchable database shortly. This version of the database has been developed by the IUCN SSC ISSG as part of an Overseas Territories Environmental Programme funded project XOT603 in partnership with the Cayman Islands Government - Department of Environment. The compilation is a work under progress, the ISSG will manage, maintain and enhance the database with current and newly published information, reports, journal articles etc.

3. PIER (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk) 2005. Rubus rosifolius

Summary: Ecology, synonyms, common names, distributions (Pacific as well as global), management and impact information. Available from: http://www.hear.org/pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm [Accessed 9 November 2005]

4. PIER (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk), 2003. Rubus rosifolius

Summary: Ecology, synonyms, common names, distributions (Pacific as well as global), management and impact information.
Available from: http://www.hear.org/pier/species/rubus_rosifolius.htm [Accessed 3 June 2003]

Summary: An online database that provides taxonomic information, common names, synonyms and geographical jurisdiction of a species. In addition links are provided to retrieve biological records and collection information from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Data Portal and bioscience articles from BioOne journals.
Available from: http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/itisca/taxastep?king=every&p_action=containing&taxa=Rubus+rosifolius&p_format=&p_ifx=plglt&p_lang= [Accessed March 2005]

21. Meyer, J.-Y. 2000. Invasive plants in the Pacific Islands. In: The Invasive Species in the Pacific: A Technical Review and Draft Regional Strategy. Sherley, G. (tech. ed). Published in June 2000 by the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

Summary: Resource that includes the distribution of invasive species throughout the Pacific Islands.

Summary: Distribution information, uses, and history of the plant.
Available from: http://www.rumbalara-e.schools.nsw.edu.au/bushtucker/Rubus_rosifolius.htm [Accessed 13 June, 2003].

27. US EPA, 2002. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determinations of Prudency and Designations of Critical Habitat for Plant Species From the Islands of Maui and Kahoolawe, Hawaii.

Summary: Information on Hawaiian species that are endangered by R. rosifolius.
Available from: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-SPECIES/2000/December/Day-18/e31078.htm [Accessed 13 June, 2003].

28. Whistler, W.A. 1995. Wayside Plants of the Islands: a guide to the lowland flora of the Pacific Islands. Isle Botanica, Hawaii.

Summary: Has useful descriptions and very good photos of a wide range of plant species found in the Pacific Islands.
Source : http://www.issg.org/database/species/references.asp?si=500&fr=1&sts=&lang=ENContact The followings 3 contacts offer information and advice on Rubus rosifolius:1. Baret, Stéphane (Parc national de La Réunion, Chargé de mission flore)

Geographic region: Pacific, Indian Ocean
Ecosystem: Terrestrial
Expert in the botany of French Polynesia and the Pacific Islands, and has worked on ecology and biological control of Miconia calvescens in French Polynesia.